Fox International Channels ups Platt

Ward Platt, previously the president of Asia-Pacific and the Middle East for Fox International Channels (FIC), has been upped to the dual roles of COO of FIC and CEO of National Geographic Channels International (NGCI).

Ward Platt, previously the president of Asia-Pacific and the Middle East for Fox International Channels (FIC), has been upped to the dual roles of chief operating officer of FIC and chief executive officer of National Geographic Channels International (NGCI).

In his new role, Platt will be responsible for the execution of FIC’s growth plans around the globe, while for NGCI, he will oversee the international programming, marketing, operations, syndication and finance for the channels outside of the U.S.

In his previous role, he oversaw 18 FIC offices, and was stationed in Hong Kong. He will relocate to the Los Angeles office, and will continue to report to Hernan Lopez, president and CEO of FIC.

Platt joined FIC in 1999, and prior to that, he was the SVP of distribution and business development for STAR Group. Before that, he worked at Continental Cablevision and its affiliates in both Singapore and Boston.

“I have been fortunate to work with Ward for the past 11 years,” said Lopez. “He has built our business in Asia from the ground up, turning it into a model in the region. I am delighted to have him step up to this new and expanded role.”

In addition, Zubin Gandevia, who currently serves as COO of FOX International Channels Asia, has been promoted to president of Fox International Channels Asia. Based in Hong Kong, he will continue to report to Platt, and he will be responsible for 18 office across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.

Gandevia oversaw FIC’s growing businesses in China, Taiwan, India and Southeast Asia in his previous role, and prior to that, he served as MD and EVP of NGC Asia.

“Zubin and I have had a great ride over the past 13 years working together to build the FIC Asia business along with a whole lot of help from many talented team members across our business,” added Platt. “I am truly delighted to be handing over the reins to Zubin and know he will do an outstanding job in his new role.”